FEC seeking more info from McDaniel, Cochran

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The Federal Election Commission has sent five Requests for Additional Information letters to the campaigns for both Chris McDaniel and Thad Cochran over the last eight days.

The McDaniel campaign received the following three letters:

On July 24 referencing the April quarterly report received June 6, asking for an itemized listing of contributions made through a third-party. It also asks for more complete names and employment details for certain contributors.

On July 30 referencing the Pre-Primary Report posted on May 22, saying totals for the report are not correct. It also asks for itemizations of contributions received through a third-party and for more details on occupations and employers for certain contributors.

On July 31 referencing the Amended 12 Day Pre-Runoff Report received June 16, saying they indicated "last minute" contributions but did not seem to file required 48-Hour Reports reflecting those contributions. It also asks for itemizations of contributions received through a third-party and for more details on occupations and employers for certain contributors.

Receiving RFAIs is not uncommon, but that McDaniel has been asked for the same thing repeatedly is a bit disconcerting. It likely raises a red flag with the FEC. If nothing else, it points to either poor record-keeping or an inexperienced staff when it comes to filing FEC reports.

The Cochran campaign received the following two letters:

On July 30 referencing the 12 Day Pre-Primary Report posted on May 22, saying it appears excessive contributions were made by three individuals and six PACs or committees.

On July 30 referencing the 12 Day Pre-Runoff Report posted on June 12, saying they indicated "last minute" contributions but did not seem to file required 48-Hour Reports reflecting those contributions. It also asks for addresses and purposes for disbursements. The final items ask questions about three specific disbursement listings to credit card companies, for "Contract Labor" and for "Reimburse Expenses - Campaign Walkers."

Cochran's campaign received a RFAI in May as well, which has already been answered.

Cochran's campaign has also said they would file an amended report itemizing disbursements totaling more than $40,000 that was originally listed as reimbursements to campaign staffer Amanda Shook. Reimbursements of that amount would violate campaign finance laws because it would mean the individual gave more than legally allowed. The Cochran campaign said the reimbursement listings were made in error because Shook got the petty cash for the campaign and distributed to workers. The FEC has not sent an RFAI on that issue, and so far the Cochran campaign has not amended their report.